South Oakland Neighborhood, Pittsburgh

Crime Rate & Statistics

B-

Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels

Safer than 41% of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 157 / 300 High
Violent Crime 185
85% above national avg
Property Crime 192
92% above national avg
City Ranking
41%
safer than other
Pittsburgh neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Pittsburgh

Is South Oakland Safe?

Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. South Oakland in Pittsburgh, PA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 157, which is 57% above the national average of 100. South Oakland is safer than 41% of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.

Compared to the Pittsburgh average (crime index 143), South Oakland is 14% higher in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 198, 98% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 160).

Highest Risk
Robbery · Index 198 (98% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 160 (60% above avg)

South Oakland Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Pittsburgh city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
192 +92% High
Assault
160 +60% High
Robbery
198 +98% High
Rape
191 +91% High
Property Crime
Burglary
184 +84% High
Larceny / Theft
198 +98% High
Vehicle Theft
193 +93% High

How South Oakland Compares

Crime index by category: South Oakland vs Pittsburgh average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

South Oakland Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

South Oakland Demographics & Context

Population
3,009
Median Income
$37,888
Home Value
$217,196
Median Age
26
Pop. Density
5,861/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 29.4%
Graduate Degree 9.3%

Housing

33%
67%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 60.7%
Black 23.8%
Hispanic 3.7%
Asian 8.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in South Oakland, Pittsburgh?

South Oakland in Pittsburgh, PA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 157, which is 57% above the national average. Compared to the Pittsburgh average, crime in South Oakland is 14% higher. South Oakland is safer than 41% of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.

Is South Oakland a safe neighborhood in Pittsburgh?

South Oakland is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Pittsburgh, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 198), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 160).

How does South Oakland compare to the rest of Pittsburgh?

South Oakland's overall crime index is 157, compared to the Pittsburgh average of 143. This means crime in South Oakland is 14% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 185, and for property crime it is 192. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in South Oakland?

The most prevalent crime type in South Oakland is Robbery, with a crime index of 198 (98% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near South Oakland?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Central Oakland, South Side Flats, West Oakland and Greenfield. These areas are close to South Oakland and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of South Oakland?

South Oakland has a population of approximately 3,009. The median household income is $37,888. The median home value is $217,196. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does South Oakland crime compare to the national average?

South Oakland's overall crime rate is 57% above the national average (index 157 vs 100). Within Pittsburgh, it is safer than 41% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.